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Department Head (With Faculty Rank)About the Job
The Department of Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics (AEM) at the University of Minnesota seeks applicants for the position of Department Head.
The successful candidate should be an experienced and visionary leader with a deep commitment to both research and academic excellence to serve as the next Department Head. The department currently has 20 full-time faculty members with approximately 240 undergraduate and 80 graduate students. The department maintains a vigorous and diverse research portfolio with an annual research expenditure of $14M.
AEM seeks a Department Head who will further enhance our position as a leader in research and education. The successful candidate will possess strong leadership and management abilities. They will have a deep commitment to promoting sponsored research programs, mentoring faculty, broadening the department’s engagements with the local and national aerospace industries, and maintaining our excellence in undergraduate and graduate education. This candidate will be able to work with diverse groups of faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, and industry representatives.
The head of the department reports directly to the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Andrew G. Alleyne. One term is nominally 5 years with the possibility of renewal. The College is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community and who will build collaborative ties with other departments within the College and the University.
Responsibilities for this position include:
Departmental Leadership
In collaboration with department faculty, promote a vision and mission for the department consistent with current and future needs, strengths and talents of departmental personnel and with the vision and mission of the College and University Maintain an equitable and inclusive work environment for Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics faculty and staff and support a culture that advances diversity, equity, and inclusion Monitor the administrative, financial, and space management components of the department Enhance recognition of the department on national and international stages Together with departmental faculty, oversee curriculum delivery and development and assess educational outcomes Raise extramural funds in support of the department’s missions of teaching, research, and service Faculty Oversight, Recruitment, and Development
Support and promote the teaching, research, and service activities of the department’s faculty members Lead faculty recruitment efforts and, in conjunction with departmental faculty, identify areas of current need and future development for the department In conjunction with college and university offices, facilitate and oversee processes related to recruitment, promotion, and tenure College and University Leadership
Serve on the Dean’s Administrative Council with other department heads and collegiate leadership Report directly to the Dean and work with Associate Deans and other department heads to achieve collegiate goals Participate in collegiate and university-level budget processes Attend and participate in college, university, and external activities identified by the Dean as critical to the mission of the institution Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering or related field An outstanding record in research, teaching, and service commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor in the Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics Department at University of Minnesota Preferred Qualifications
Ability to create, communicate, and implement, in collaboration with department faculty, a vision for the department’s future that builds upon and accentuates the department’s strengths Strong leadership, management, and communication abilities Ability to maintain and nurture the department’s culture of collaboration and collegiality A willingness and ability to advocate for the needs of the department Interest in encouraging and supporting multi-disciplinary collaborations Deep commitment to undergraduate and graduate education Ability to work with diverse groups of faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, and industry representatives About the Department
The Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics (AEM) is in the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota – a world-class research university with outstanding resources and programs in engineering and science, health sciences, social sciences, and liberal arts. The Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics Department currently has 20 faculty members, comprising national and international leaders in key areas of aerospace engineering including hypersonics and turbulence, aerospace materials, guidance and control, and positioning, navigation, and timing. The department is proud of its collegial culture that values interdisciplinary collaboration and places an emphasis on active mentoring of early-career faculty through collaboration with senior colleagues. In addition, input from all faculty is sought for department academic, research, and administrative decision-making. The department is highly productive in research, teaching, and STEM outreach across Minnesota and neighboring states. It grants approximately 85 Bachelors of Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics degrees each year and supports a graduate program with around 80 students (80% PhD) engaged in both experimental and theoretical research.
The department is poised to grow the faculty size and expand its range of research expertise by making a number of strategic hires over the next several years. To support this, the AEM department has close ties with on-campus multidisciplinary centers, and convenient access to outstanding shared experimental and computational facilities. These include the Gemini-Huntley Robotics Research Laboratory of the Minnesota Robotics Institute, the Minnesota Nano Center, the Characterization Facility, the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, the Institute on the Environment, and the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute. More information about the department is available at https://cse.umn.edu/aem .
College of Science and Engineering
Created in 1935, the College of Science and Engineering (formerly known as the Institute of Technology) brought together the University's programs in engineering, mining, architecture, and chemistry. Today, the College is ranked among the top engineering and science academic programs in the country. The College includes 12 academic departments offering a wide range of degree programs at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels.
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $175,000 - $230,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff
Please visit the UMN Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Disability and employer-paid life insurance Employee wellbeing program Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity Financial counseling services Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and CV.
Applications should include:
CV/Resume Letter of interest that explains how they would lead the department and that addresses the themes in this profile. Vision statement List of at least 3 professional references (name, contact info) Application review will begin September 2, 2025. This position will remain open until filled.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
Contact information for faculty search: aem-facultysearch@umn.edu .
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M: The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
